New businesses coming to town

“When this development is completed Sterlington could experience over a 25 percent increase in population,” reported Charles McDonald, former state representative and consultant for economic development in Sterlington, to officials Tuesday.

“When this development is completed Sterlington could experience over a 25 percent increase in population,” reported Charles McDonald, former state representative and consultant for economic development in Sterlington, to officials Tuesday.

Two commercial businesses will break ground in the town before the end of the year, McDonald announced during the Town of Sterlington's Mayor and Aldermen meeting.

“Ace Hardware Store, a 12,000 foot store, will be built on highway 165 just north of Marion State Bank,” he said. “And Panther Stop, an upscale convenience store, is going to be on the corner of highway 134 and 165.”

McDonald said he and other city officials are working hard on recruiting a fast-food franchise as well, to be put in the Panther Stop convenience store.

Currently under construction in the town are 61 new houses and 94 new cottage houses, condos and apartments.

McDonald said he has been working hard with the Legislature to develop a frontage road to better serve the new businesses in the community.

“I met with Representatives Jay Morris, Frank Hoffman, Bubba Chaney, Senator Walsworth and Senator Thompson, and they are very supportive of our economic development,” he said. “They are going to help us with the capital outlay request for the 165 corridor. It has already been approved by the Legislature but we have to be approved by the bond commissioner before we can use the money.